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 Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:28 pm
Love - Devotion
Feeling - Emotion
Don't be afraid to be weak
Don't be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence
If you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself don't hide
Just believe in destiny
Don't care what people say
Just follow your own way
Don't give up and miss the chance
To return to innocence
"Return To Innocence" - Enigma Rise From The Ashes Zero Dream The last few days had been... harsh and hard, to be truthful. The rings under her eyes where the proof of that. She wasn't even sure how long it had been since she had seen Panacea - and broke down. She was no-where as bad as she had been there... simply tired. Echo had helped more than she could put into words, honestly... But she still preferred the comfort of the small part of Beryl's room that she had come to call her's to social outings, at least until she could erase the tiredness from her face and pretend everything was alright. Even if it wasn't completely so. She pulled a few strings of her guitar softly, letting the notes dance in the air. Lyric was curled around his chime as he usually was, watching her. Draconayzia A soft knock came at the door and a youth poked his head in shyly. "Miss? Mistress Beryl was gathering some food and tea and would like to know if you'd care for some." He was small and wiry, but there was definitely a patient kindness in the silver eyes. Zero Dream "Oh ?" Surprise crossed her face for a moment, as the note stopped. "...Hm... Well..." ...She couldn't stay holed up in here *forever*, anyway. "Sure, give me a second." She smiled at the boy, laying her guitar down on the bed and idly running an hand trough her hairs as a makeshift comb. Draconayzia He smiled and left a small basket on her dresser. His Lady had had him collect a few things for her that she'd seen missing. One of which was a soft brush and a bone comb. Around the two items was a small variety of hair ties. Just a few comfort items.
The youth bowed and stated She would be up soon and left Zero to ready herself. Zero Dream She continued the gesture until her eyes felt on the basket's contents, and she froze. Oh, smart. She ignored the chime spirit's giggling at the situation and went with the brush - she rarely bothered with combs - and, once her hairs where decent enough for her, she braided a bang as her usual, and was off without more thought - Zero wasn't the kind to spend hours pampering herself, no matter how much of a mess she looked. She knocked first - it was always better, after all. Draconayzia A few tinlings of metal and the sound of something being poured and the door was opened for her. A small lunch was set out on one of Beryl's small tables near the window. "Glad to see you poking your head out again." Zero Dream She couldn't help but be sightly embarrassed by the comment, her cheeks taking a small tint of pink as she stepped in and sat. "Yeah, I guess so... I guess im a bit of a recluse, uh ?" Draconayzia "It's quite alright. To tell you the truth, I locked myself in stone for two weeks. I beat you in the reclusive department." Smiling she passed a cup and plate to her guest. Zero Dream "Really ?" She didn't ask why - it wasn't her business, after all, but it was the first time she heard of anything like this. But then, she was a god. It was probably perfectly normal. It still felt just a bit odd - this house full of gods - even if she was mostly completely used to it by now. Not that she knew alot of the actual god and goddesses... Beryl was the one she knew the most, really, and the one she felt the most comfortable with. She brought the cup to her lips, drinking some of the tea inside. She was well used to tea, but had not had any in a long time... It felt good. "I guess we all have... moments like that. I... Well... Panacea morphed. I don't think I've... taken it too well." It was extremely easy to open up to the wind goddess, without even thinking. Draconayzia "I understand. I was very feral when I first pushed out. I was... cruel. Unneeded and unwarranted aggression. It took some time for my host and I to come to terms with each other. Now, she is a sort of conscience, helping me from time to time with little whisperings."
Wind sat back in her own chair, bandaged wings and arm looking much better having been given the proper treatment. Zero Dream "It still feels a bit stupid, I mean... I knew it was going to happen, eventually... I thought I was prepared for it." She sighed a bit. "But I wasn't." She put the cup back on the table, the bangs almost hiding the bandages that was left, a few faint traces otherwise being left from the cut of the glass shards that one day... When Echo was in control, that one day she still barely knew anything about. Her ankle was still bandaged, but she felt alright as long as she did not stand on it too long. "But I guess that's human nature." Draconayzia "It is any sentient nature, I believe. My host, Zero, was not human. She was.... oh what was the word, it's hard to remember... Draide-elaire if I pronounced that properly. Literally it means "Chaser of Wind". She was a dragon half-breed. She was frightened and unprepared as well. I have yet to see one soul who accepts the burden fully and knowing exactly what to expect." Zero Dream "Sorry." She shook her head a bit, sending the black bangs moving. "...Im still not used to have people that arn't human around. The closest I had to that when I was home was robots... But even then, they weren't sentient." She paused a bit. "...But im sure they will be. Eventually." A silly dream of her's, maybe. She still wanted to have been the one to make the first... but it was too late for that. "But I understand what you meant." She trailed back. "I thought I knew what I was doing. Im not, really. But then I spent almost my whole life like that... it's fitting. I know Echo won't... kill me... or anything. She's not like that. It's still weird to think about it, what would, or could, happen, so I've been trying not to." Draconayzia "Ask what you will and I will answer what I can." Zero Dream "...I think my problem is that I dunno what to ask first..." She couldn't help but chuckle a bit, taking another sip of tea. "...But I think... each god is different - each host is different. So to me, it would make sense that what happen would be different, ne ?" At least, that was what she thought. She stopped a moment, trying to gather her thought - it was oddly hard to do so, but she blamed it on lack of sleep. "But what usually... happens ? The person just... changes, like that ? Out of nowhere ?" Draconayzia "Just open your mouth and let the first question tumble out." Her smile was one that showed this was not the first time she'd had this conversation.
"For each it is a bit different, yes. For this body the change was drastic, sudden. Her skin was gold with pale lilac hair. As you can see I have nothing close to that skin color. It changed in a heartbeat. For Little Dream it was much more gradual, as with Merci`, Kaelin's host. Is this making sense?" Zero Dream "Yeah... It does." She still showed nothing that wasn't her features... or so she thought, anyway. Her attention went to her pocket when she shifted to sit differently and found the position awkward - per habit, she had put the brush in there, instead of in the basket. It remembered her something, however... "...Didn't you say you would like me to braid your hairs, once ?" It was odd how she remembered it right then - but to be truthful, she felt it better than talking about what could happen. Thinking of the future always made her feel... weird. Draconayzia She was startled, having forgotten saying that what seemed to be ages ago. Her smile turned broad and warm. "Yes, I do remember now. And I would like that. With my arm bandaged managing this mess has been a challenge."
It was true, her hair was not so sleek and shiny as it had been. Easily attributable to either weakened powers or the simple loss of ability to be as thorough as she would have liked. Zero Dream "I remember the oddest things at the oddest times..." She chuckled to herself, finishing her cup of tea and sliding behind the goddess, gently brushing the blue locks of hairs to untangle them, first. Even so, her hairs still felt so soft under her fingers, almost like silk - like the hairs those girls always had in commercials on tv but the one you could never manage to have, silly marketing. "I still think they're pretty." She said, focusing on her task, and glad for the distraction. "Better than my mess, anyway..." She grinned a bit. Draconayzia Beryl turned so her back was pressed to an arm rather than the chair to give Zero easier access. One of her little treasures was having her hair tended. It always felt so nice.
"Thank you, but your's has character. Mine's just... wispy." She blew a rebellious lock of hair from her face and chuckled softly. Zero Dream Character ? Well, she sure wouldn't have put it that way. She smiled a bit to herself, hands reaching out for one lock, starting to braid it. She seemed to know exactly how tight to hold and pull without hurting her, out of practice and instinct. She did use to do her whole head this way, after all. Her fingers danced into the blue waves almost like an expert, without much of a care of anything else or the world in general. "Are you feeling better, tho ? I mean... your wing and all. I don't really... know or remember what happened. There was some kind of shock beforehand... and I think it knocked me out. Echo was the one who handled it... And she missed alot of it, herself." Draconayzia Violet eyes slipped closed as the smile broadened. It felt so good!
"I am much better. Between Panacea and Eamnonn I only have a bit of healing left. The bandages are mostly protection until the limbs are stronger now. I don't remember too much unless I concentrate and I'd rather not." Zero Dream "That's alright." She knew much about that one feeling - much more than it showed - and was not about to force the wind goddess to speak about it. After all, maybe some things where better left in the dark. Her hands continued to twirl, unaware how much the other liked this as she continued - almost regretting not having any beads to weave inside the braids. It was a mess to pull out sometimes, but the end result was always worth it. She solidified one braid with an hair tie before moving to the other, letting her thoughts wander. Draconayzia Sighing softly in contentment she shifted a bit. Arrow had been watching as he walked around the spaces and did the tidying. Smiling he put a small bowl near Zero with little trinkets that had been collected. Small offerings left at temples. He was gone before the other could turn. Zero Dream It took her a bit to notice the bowl, and when she did, she was honestly puzzled of how it got there - having been far too concentrated on her task to notice Arrow out and about. Oh well, some things happened like that... She reached out in the bowl, gapping some beads and starting the weave them in as carefully as possible. The silence was oddly soothing and nice - not uneasy as she was used to have it be. Suddenly, however... her hand stopped in it's movement, and... stubbornly refused to move anymore. Confusion took form on the teen's face, as she carefully withdrew it, less it wind up tangled in her attempt to move. The rest of her body was working just fine. But her hand, up to her elbow, refused to move, like a stubborn child. "...B-Beryl..." The word was out before she could think - confusion, unease, and all - no way to pretend nothing was wrong now. I... I cannot hold this anymore, my one. I cannot... Push it back any longer. Echo's voice seemed weak, a bit distant... Oh. s**t. You've been WHAT ?! Somehow, she managed to think instead of speak. ...Oh, that's great...Why now ?!? Draconayzia Turning, confused she caught the flash of fear across the teen's face. She was up in an instant, the movement so fluid it almost looked like she would have had to slip apart to do it.
"It's alright, I promise I won't leave. I'll help however I can." She pulled the girl close, letting her rest against cool blue skin as she rubbed the smaller female's back, trying to comfort in the wake of uncertainty. Zero Dream The movement caught her off-guard, but she made no resistance, falling limp in position, almost like a ragdoll. How did she seem to know... ? She always seemed to know without needing a word. Right now, however, it was welcome... to not have to word the confusion that was going on in her head. After all, she knew much more about what was about to happen than the teen did. The first thing she noticed was the licks of blue of the stubborn hand suddenly got - out of nowhere. It was a deeper shade than the cool blue skin it was held against, unmistakable when put one aside another. It was a nice color... more like the hairs those fingers had been touching mere minutes ago than the skin. She watched this... almost feeling disconnected from it all. Scared a bit... yes, but it was almost like... watching it happen to someone else. She did not feel a thing... no weird sensations... nothing at all, not even Beryl's touch. The only way she could remind herself it was her was the perspective from which she watched it all unfold. But no matter what... she wouldn't cry. Hell no. She had done too much of that already... and I would be the suckiest way to... well, leave. She watched on, watching something wind up around her wrist - ...string ? Guitar strings ? She tried to speak, but no word came out. Draconayzia "Shhhh, it's alright. Echo is gentle and being as kind as she can be. You are a lucky one. Just relax. You can cry if you want to, I would never hold it against you. Either of you."
Wind's hold tightened slightly, rubbing the teen's back and petting her hair as bandaged wings moved down and around, adding a warm, soft embrace like a child might seek from their blanket. Zero Dream But then... Zero wasn't sure she could cry at the moment, even if she had wanted to speak. She wanted to at least answer her... but the words simply wouldn't come out. Her breath was a bit erratic, rushed and panicked, but she didn't control any of it. She knew she was right, however. And there was nothing she could do about it. She had better get used to this... pretty quick. The strings kept winding, she did not feel it, but Beryl could see it, even under the cloth, with how it moved - probably the same with the blue patches, but that was completely unseen. She managed a sigh - she had no idea how she did - and seemed to completely lose control, as... well something - it seemed more like sound waves than wings, even if they where at the right location to be wings. The purple waves shifted, forming an arc around her back, along with some odd patches of blue that mimicked a vague wing-like shape. The last of the string curled on the ground behind the two... and the last changes where subtitle, almost unnoticeable - how her hairs seemed to spike a bit differently and seemed fuller, how her face seemed to become an hint more mature... as blue eyes closed, and all finished itself. ....Goodbye... for now. We'll... talk again. Im sure.The breathing calmed sightly - but she didn't move, couldn't move just yet. And so it was done, was it... ? She could not have delayed it more than she had... it would have been too dangerous to do so, she instinctively knew.
She remained there, content for the calm, nested against one of her kind, against her sister - more welcoming, understanding arms would probably have not been found.Draconayzia "Are you alright, godling?" The hitch in her voice betrayed her.
It was never easy this part. Letting go of a friend earned and tried. Zero had been true and it was a gift she cherished, just like the slumbering feline-youth inside of Dream. Her hold however, didn't waver. Zero Dream It did not go unnoticed - emotion was close to her realm, close to what she knew... music was, in a sense, emotion put into words.
But she said nothing... as if prepared to this. It would be hard for those who grew attached to her one, and there was no avoiding it. All she could do is accept, and help soothe the pain.
"Finer than I thought we might be, dearest Wind." She admitted - this went much better than she had thought it would... she had taken physical control quickly enough to spare her the pain. "Just... perhaps... more tired than I thought we would be..." Draconayzia She stayed steady and strong. She didn't know how she had come to fit into this calming roll. Her nature was innately wild, unrurely, savage. But something about the new wards had struck her and part of her wanted to help, pitied them. And wanted acceptance from them. The price was loosing them in the end, and the gaping wounds they left.
But as a wise man once said -To love is to know great pain, but that pain is only so sharp because of the joys that come with that love.- And she did come to love the new hosts as siblings.
"You have fared better than most. Many pass out. Do you need to lay down?" Zero Dream "I do believe so, yes..." Echo had no claim about exposing her weaknesses... not in front of Wind, at least.
"And I believe I just might faint... Or at the very least, get in some welcome sleep."
She didn't voice her understanding of the situation, but was clearly felt in her tone, in her words, the way her melodious voice, almost sounding more like a song than actual speech, warped itself in the air.
Better to have loved, and lost, than have never loved at all, dearest wind. I understand, however... I just wish I could make you feel better about the whole. But this need to be taken step after steps...
She didn't get to think much more, as she allowed herself to fall into sleep, knowing she was in caring hands. Draconayzia "Perfectly alright. You will be changed and the clothes cleaned and folded away."
Waiting patiently as Echo slumped in her hold she moved her the small space to her won bed before gently undressing her and giving her one of her own night slips to sleep in.
Pulling a soft blanket over the exposed form she moved to the other side of the bed and curled up herself. Just close enough to be a comfort without being awkward.
Another one lost. This one stung like Little Dream. A small, sad smile moved to her face as she fingered one of the delicate braids Zero had made for her. I'll keep these.
Mind made up she let herself drift off, hoping that Zero would find comfort in Music's hold.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:29 pm
Learning To Exist Once Again Her sleep had thankfully been uninterupted, dreamless, and recovering. There had been some confusion when she awoke - the foreign sense of being alive, the foreign clothing on her skin... Visibly she had not caught Beryl's last comments before falling prey to sleep.
She arranged things neatly, it was the least she could do, after all. But for not the need for food overcame the need for sleep, and she withdrew from the chambers as quietly as she could, leaving a small note to Wind, should she worry of her absence - not wanting to awaken anyone that might be present, as she headed downstairs, slowly but surely.
All was calm - she rather enjoyed the calm, humming softly to herself as she minded her own business, knowing well that Zero was still asleep - but not afraid to awaken her, since they had gotten so used to each other's presence, to her humming and the girl's raving mental antics, to notice them anymore.
It felt... right. Good. She could not think of much else at the moment, simply enjoying being in a state of existence.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:30 pm
Christmas Lights Zero Dream It was... odd to be - even now.
Wind had been so kind, but now she allowed her some time of her own - Echo had moved into the garden, content to stay there on her own, humming silently.
Zero's clothes where all the ones she had for now, and it was probably the one thing that gave her out the most right now, even with the familiar features. the goddess looked even more like a lost puppy in them than the teen had - probably because seeing Zero in baggy clothes was common, and even if they shared the same overall body shape, it came a bit as a shock. The cords that formed her "tail" felt to the ground without a care.
She was still a bit tired... and this was why she had not risked the "outside world" just yet. Not before they had both recovered... maskedquerade "I... see." Pana had come up from the other goddess' left side, and crouched beside her, leaning forward out of concern and to counterbalance her wings. "Are the both of you all right?" Her voice was gentle and spoke entirely of a genuine desire for the wellbeing of both Zero and Echo. Zero Dream Panacea's arrival surprised her, and she perked a bit, however letting herself relax as soon as she placed a name on the voice, turning to look at her.
"How lovely to see you, lady Medecine." Her tone was also genuine, flowing like a melody. "And I do believe we are both well, yes. Simply enjoying some fresh air... How about you ?"Funny how she cares now... Inside, Zero was stirred out of her slumber, and she sounded a bit bitter... but was still too tired and still felt too disconnected to actually be angry. Which was a good thing, since Echo would have been the only one to hear it anyway. maskedquerade "I have been much better, and... much worse." The shadow flitted across her face, but that was the end of it. "And please, call me Panacea, if you do not mind my reciprocation. We are not entirely our spheres of influence--" Some of us, at least. "--and it speaks to overformality and distance, when in times like these I think we need closer bonds." Zero Dream She noticed... debated asking for a moment, but eventually chose not to. She would be there should she feel the need to talk... but she wouldn't run after answers about something that was probably personal.
"As you wish. And I do believe you have a point... Better for us to stand united, than separated." idly, she placed one bang of ebony behind her ear, humming idly to herself. "How are the others doing, if you do not mind me asking ? I am afraid we where both... a bit out of it lately." maskedquerade 'As you wish' was not the ringing endorsement she was looking for, but for introducing the idea of intimacy upon a first meeting... it was the best she should have expected. Pana still had to get a grip on this 'dealing with people' thing... er... 'dealing with gods'. Something. That happy medium between childlike bluntness and cold indifference.
"Pell-mell is badly sliced from a semi-related incident, and everyone else is healing well. I have not seem Harmodius recently, but I left Him my staff and it is gone, so I choose to believe He is on walkabout." A flash of inspiration: perhaps He was avoiding her to make her focus more on herself. Perhaps a good thing, since the prospect of explaining what had happened to the elder deity was extremely frightening. Just slightly moreso than explaining to Illumin. "I will be searching for Him later, though I suspect he has his own reasons for not seeing me."
It seemed odd to expect a being so reclusive to suddenly be available whenever she wanted to check on Him. But He was injured, and it was her job to make sure He didn't die. That comment about his "malefactor" still worried her. Zero Dream A few names that had came where unknown, but that was to be expected...
"I am glad to hear that." Echo smiled a bit, letting hair and cords fall back freely from the bench she was sitting onto, inviting the other goddess to do the same.
"He must have his reasons, yes... I would not worry about it." It was easy to see she was a bit worried... but of course, they all where.Something was odd. Zero had only met Panacea face to face once, but that was enough to figure out that something was a bit odd in there. She was too... nice. Or something. Was it because it was Echo and not her, or something different alltogether ? It was a bit hard to say, from her current... position. And of course, it didn't make her all too happy. There's something... odd. She admitted, a bit reductantly. What it is, my one ?I met her once, I think it was soon after she morphed... while you where sleeping. She was nothing like this... She just seemed alot... colder."Colder" sounded better than "a b***h." Echo pondered this for a moment. Maybe the pain of losing her friend had... altered her perception ? It seemed to happen alot in those occasions, and she knew about it a bit too well than she wished to remember. And Zero was the kind of overexagerate a bit. But then... she was no liar, either. But she could not say if it was so or not since she had no way to figure so.
"If you ever require help, I would be glad to lend an hand." The silence had lasted for a bit more than she had hoped. "For any reason you would need so." maskedquerade "I'll... keep that in mind." The pause had all the hallmarks of an internal conversation. Could she miss what she never had, yet remembered? Well, not like they'd had extensive conversations, but now the only flash of conscience she'd ever have would be her own voice. Pana didn't know if this was disturbing or comforting.
And what, besides, had they been talking about? Probably her. Definitely not a comfort.
And for now, she definitely couldn't tell Zero. Baring the deepest secret of your soul should only be done once a week, max. "Perhaps later, if you enjoy pancakes more than Zero did, we can talk over breakfast." Zero Dream "I cannot say I ever had them, myself." She answered, smiling again. "But it would be wonderful to do so."Pancakes. Ick.Her host's reaction made her smile a little more, but she managed to hold in a chuckle that woulds, most likely, have confused the other goddess.
"Would you like to go for a walk, in the meantime ? My one told me the streets are wonderful at this time of the years, decorated by multicolored lights..."
She would definitively feel safer to go out and about with medicine at her side, yes. maskedquerade "Ah, yes, I know just the place," Panacea said with a smile. "Do you have a warm coat to wear?" Zero Dream "I do." She got up on her feet, still feeling a little bit.. akward to move, after so long in slumber. "Right inside. I would just need a minute to go fetch it..."
She started heading on inside, at a pace that Panacea could easily follow if she wished so. maskedquerade Panacea meandered along behind Echo, holding the door for her when they got that far. She was quiet, and for her, the silence was companionable enough. While Echo fetched her own coat, Pana found the fur-lined cloak she'd left draped over one of the couches and started putting it on, slipping her wings through the large slits in the back.
Wings were truly a pain in cold weather, especially since most coats she was used to wearing didn't have wing slits. And of course no one had wings in the same places, so everything pretty much had to be custom made. It was one of the things, beyond the crayon box skin, that reminded her she wasn't actually human.
And never really had been, but it was hard to remember that. Zero Dream Echo did not seem to have that problem... because her "wings" did not connect to her back to begin with. The waves dissipated when the coat it, only to reform as soon as it was out of the way. The coat itself was pretty simple, and most likely Zero's - a long leather coat that reached to her feet without touching the ground, with a few blue stars sewed on for decoration.
Without hesitation, the goddess's next move was reaching out to help Panacea with her own, guiding the wings into the slots they where made to go trough. maskedquerade "Thank you," Panacea said, settling the dark cloak on her shoulders and buttoning it at the top. She resisted the urge to snuggle into the warm furry lining, but that was for outside, where when darkness fell in earnest the temperature would plummet like a rock.
"Ready to go?" she asked with a smile, taking her gloves from an inner pocket and slipping them on. Zero Dream She finished zipping up her boots, and then she stood, smiling and nodding.
"I am. Shall you lead the way ?" maskedquerade Pana opened the door that lead out onto the main street. It was cold out, and overcast, grey-ish white clouds hung low and promising--nearly threatening--snow.
The sun was setting, and the street lamps flickered on one by one, with the odd one turning off when the two goddesses walked beneath it. The store displays shone brightly and usually themed for their wares; Pana had never been able to figure out the store that sold the bumpy multicolored balls. She'd definitely have to convince Illumin to come out one night to look at the mortals' little offerings to him. Even if they didn't realize it. Zero Dream Echo watched with all with an almost childish awe, clearly not used to seeing all of this, at least not face to face. When Zero had been dominant, it had all seemed a bit distant and warped.Zero grinned a bit to herself, before she finally spoke. When you reach the next intersection, look on the left.And that she did... and was overwhelmed by beauty. Standing here was one of those huge christmas trees that bigger towns usually had... shining with glory with the multicolored lights, glimmering snowflakes, the golden star that topped the whole with pride, and many other decorations she did not know the name of. The setting sun only made the effect all the more beautiful.
"Oh !" She let out, stopping her walk. "Pana, look !"I told you so. maskedquerade "Gorgeous, isn't it?" Pana said, a little surprised they'd gone from names to nicknames so easily--especially since Echo didn't shorten very well--but it was gratifying, this sense of intimacy. "It is a bit early for carolers, but if we run across some, would you like to join up? I suspect you could improve upon the melodies."
Perhaps in other parts of town the air would be filled with a cacophony of Christmas music, but here there were only the lights and a single faint strain of 'Jingle Bells' from an open-air ice rink down the road. Zero Dream "Perhaps not improve, but it would be lovely to do so, indeed." She noted, smiling at the other goddess, twirling a bang of black around her finger as her eyes did not detach from the splendor the lights and the tree created as the sun slowly continued it's travel downward.
"Is there some place in particular that you wish to go to ?" Standing here was great, but would get them cold eventually. maskedquerade "As a matter of fact, this is where we were headed," Pana said, glancing at the tree. She fluffed the feathers of her wings against the cold, and chuckled. "Though, if you'd like to experience ice skating, there is an outdoor rink down the way."
The goddess gestured vaguely down the street, toward the tinny strains of Christmas carols, now 'Frosty the Snowman.' Zero Dream The concept of ice skating was a bit unknown to her, and she raised an eyebrow in vague confusion as Panacea mentioned it... But said nothing. Wherever the other wanted to go would be just fine for her, after all.
She hummed along with the tune, as if she knew it by heart, even if it probably didn't exist during her "reign", so to speak. This is where Zero's memories helped a bit... She slid gloved hands into the pockets of the coats, content with just being outside right now. maskedquerade Pana was not one to take silence for assent. She paused for another moment, enjoying the lights. "If you would prefer to head back before it becomes too cold, I would not be insulted." Zero Dream "Oh, no, no, it is perfectly fine..." She trailed a bit, pondering, wondering what would be best for them to do...
"Then what about this "rink" you speak of ? I do not know much about ice-skating... aside that it exist and that my one tripped on the ice when she 5, threw a fit, left crying, and wanted nothing to do with the concept afterward."If Zero could have turned red, she would have. I-I- ID- Echo !!!!!!Oh, she would somehow get back for this. maskedquerade "It can be quite difficult," Pana said placatingly. "Essentially you wear short boots with blades mounted on the sole, toe to heel, balance on the ice, and glide along. It is very elegant, if you manage not to fall down." Memi had some experience with skating, but with wings... perhaps not the best idea. "We can watch some of the more experienced people at the ice rink... and some of the less experienced ones as well."
Chuckling, Pana turned toward the sounds of music and motioned for the other goddess to follow. Zero Dream Echo pondered this over in her head, glad to get closer to the music as she followed right beside the other goddess. Zero had been right on one point - they blended in extremely well in this world. There was others with wings, some looked almost like animal themselves - a wide diversity that she found a bit interesting.
"That sounds difficult." She admitted. Then Zero's reaction made sense, even if the girl was still raving a bit uncoerently in the back of her mind. "But we can watch, sure. And cheer them on ?" She smiled a bit. "Maybe it may help some of the less experienced ones." ((Unfinished))
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:31 pm
Treating Myself Echo had loved christmas, and admittedly felt a bit sad that it was all over. Since that night with Pana, she had gone out to carol every night... and in the same events met a small mouse-like girl named Melody, that she had taken in upon learning what she had nowhere to call home. The small golden mice that Zero had found seemed to have became an... egg ? Or something akin to it. Lyric affirmed that it felt a bit warm to the touch, and so did she, therefore the 3 have been keeping it somewhere warm and safe. And then, two packages at came... and no attempts to open then had worked, to the goddess's small surprise. They where safely kepy under Lyric's watchful eyes. That and, aside new clothes, Echo brought herself a gift on her own...  It had been hard to explain, but she had felt a connection to the flute the second she saw it in the shop, and simply could not have left without it. She made an habit to play both it and the guitar everyday... To the resident's delights.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:33 pm
Old Faces Become New Ones Seeing them had been quite a surprise, really. She had simply woken up one morning to see them, sitting calmly one beside another, two mirror images with different colors. The first was of black and gray, an eye covered in a patch, looking much like the fighter of the two, yet with a gentle hand as he idely scitched in between Tango's ears, the e-mice scriiching hapilly as a result. The second was all of blue, flute in hand, the mind and the imagination on the pair. They seemed unphazed by the confused look that the goddess gave them - they visibely had been expecting this. "We are glad to see you awake, oh voice of the countless." The first started, looking completely serene as his brother simpely played a few soft notes of his flute, content to do the talking for the both of them. Echo had gotten pretty used to things taking form at random, but there was something different about them. Something almost familiar. "Might I ask, who might you two be ?" Their presence did not scare her in the least - in fact, it was almost soothing. "I am Tempo." The black one continued, giving a bow of respect. "And my brother there is Alto." The blue one followed a similar motion. "And we are your Aoidei, my lady"The word was familar... Oh, this confusion was a bit frustrating. Why couldn't she remember a thing ? "Aoidei... ?""Servants... followers... advisors... or whichever this world decide to call us." Tempo answered with a patient smile. "It does seem we are the first who manifested themselves yet, but there may be more, do not worry, my lady."Ah, yes... she had an odd reconision of something like this. "Then I shall not worry. How may I-""None of your work, my lady. Tempo, while looking rugged, seemed to have bottomless patience and servitute. "We shall accomodate ourselves, my lady." 
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:34 pm
Writing Again It has been a long time since I have last written... Since before I have taken over completely, in fact. My one seems to be completely used to it, or as much as she will be, at least. She spends most of her days weaving stories that are most interesting... Perhaps, should things that happened had not came to be, she should have become a novelist.
As for I... I am getting used to Alto and Tempo's presence. Thry where with me before my fall, yet I do not remember any of it... how strange. Tempo said it might have to do with being in limbo in a jewel for so long. He might have a point.
Alto does not speak. I believe he might be mute... but neither really answer me when I ask. They are pleasant to be around... And going along well with Lyric. For this I am most glad... Ill'd hate for him to feel left out.
I should seek out more of my kind... I believe lady wind and Panacea might be the only ones to even know the morphing happened.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:35 pm
Musings I am so grateful for Alto and Tempo's presence, right now. I seem to have strange dreams as of late... Distorted images that I cannot recognize. Thankfully, my one doesn't seem to see any of them. I am glad... I would hate for her to feel the brunt of my presence this way. I am working on keeping our spirits as separate as possible, and it has worked well so far.
Sharing the body is very tiring, and she seems to realize this. She sometimes comes in control, when we agree to it - to play her guitar a moment. Her music is still as wonderful as it ever was.
I wonder if she regrets, sometimes. She often dodges the question if I ask her, and it has me sightly worried. I do not want my one to be sad... I owe her everything, after all.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:36 pm
Tomorrows an illusion
Yesterdays a dream
Today is a solution
But you've got to let it be
And if you're looking for the answer
It's right before your eyes
Although it's.
Not Quite Paradise
But it sure looks like home
Not quite paradise
We are not alone
It'll be all right though it's not quite. paradise
"Not Quite Paradise" - Bliss 66 Leaving On My Own Why are we here... ?Echo didn't answer at first, still busying herself. It was a large living space that she had found, actually not that far from the shop. It had more than enough space to accomodate everyone's needs, with a nice balcony. She finished tying up Lyric's chime next to the balcony door, where the wind could rattle it when the door was open.
I thought this might be best. She explained simpely. At least for now, that is...Is something bothering you ? Zero's voice was exceptionally strong in the goddess' mind - and seemed like it would remain so for some time, expecially since she did nothing to block it. ...When something bothered me, I could tell you what was wrong. Why won't you ?I wish to trouble you with no sutch thing, my one. Echo gave an audible sigh, sitting on one of the couches to state out the wide window that brought light to the living room. And... I am afraid you might not understand.Normally, that last sentence would have sent the teen flaring - but she knew Echo more than anyone else, and knew she probably meant no attack by it. Well, there isn't much else I can do, and I don't need to understand to listen, ne ?" There was some short of "smile" that she conveyed with her voice.As you wish, then... The goddess paused for a moment, as if wondering where to start. As you might know... It is very rare that there be only one god of one influence, at least in the old times... Harmodius, likewise, follows a sence of duality - as he is creation, he is also destruction. I believe that, after the attack, his focus has started to shift to destruction, and that now, it is complete. It... makes the shop a place where I cannot settle well, I am afraid. Harmodius's shift also has caused many things to happen, and I am not sure how we are to help him regain a balance once again...And so we moved here. Zero completed. But why are you so worried ? I mean... I don't think all the gods live in there, you know...I believe you might be right on that. The goddess agreed softly. It is simpely the timing that worries me. I do not want to seem like... I am running from all this.But you are not running, arn't you ? The teen asked, showing more patience than she usually did. Then you shouldn't worry, I think. Nothing stops you from dropping in there, and trying to help, if it is possible... Beside, maybe we might be a bit useful here.
In the distance, the begining of a storm could be heard roaring.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:37 pm
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah they were all yellow,
I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called yellow
So then I took my turn
Oh all the things I've done
And it was all yellow
"Yellow" - Coldplay Meeting You Anew Zero Dream If one was to ask themselves if the person that entered the shop was a god, one could probably say no... at least, until one noticed the blue of her skin, the wings, and the strings that followed behind her.
Echo, wearing but a dark blue sundress and sandals, guitar strapped to her back, looked much more like a teenager than the goddess she was on her way to become once more - her tastes where simple, after all, and this day was not one for magnificent silks. And maybe, this was a leftover of Zero's tastes...
She avoided the throne room almost nervously - she had moved out some time ago, yes, but yet some kind of invisible guilt had pushed her back here today. She had not seen any of her kind in months, and it was starting to affect her. She did not want others to think she might have abandoned them because of the situation.
Making sure the strap that held the guitar on her back was still well in place, she made her way toward the espresso station, looking for at least a chair to rest for a while. Thabara Wearing a robe she had borrowed from Kishara, Aislin slowly shuffled towards the stairwell. The maternal Goddess had insisted that she stayed until she had completely recovered from her injuries - which had already healed up quite nicely during the first night of her stay - but Aislin suspected that she simply feared she might never return if she left now. Not as herself at least, now that the first physical changes had taken place, a visible reminder of what was inevitably going to happen. With a sigh she pulled the robe back up her left shoulder, the sleek silky fabric kept slipping down, trying to not look down too far. That she'd suddenly become.. less voluptuous over night was something she still had to get accustomed to. That, and those odd blotches of pale blue which seemed to pop up at random on her skin, very much looking like bruises, only that they didn't hurt. Shoving those negative thoughts aside, she stepped down the stairs, yawning loud and noisily. Clearly, she wasn't expecting anyone down in the kitchen at this time. Only, that someone was there, oops. "Oh," she said surprised, blinking sleepily and the young.. Goddess, probably, judging from her looks. "Don't mind me, just getting some coffee and I'm gone again." Who is she?'Oh, so you are finally talking to me again?'Zero Dream Likewise, Aislin's arrival seemed to surprise Echo lightly - visibly having thought that no one would come. The yawn unrooted the goddess from her own reverie, and she gave a warm smile.
"Oh, by all means." She said in a soft, melodious voice. "Please stay awhile, if you could. I would certainly enjoy the company if you do not have more important matters to tend to..." When she spoke, it almost seemed that she was singing.Another host, maybe... ?I believe so. Thabara "Well, uhm, sure." Feh, so much for the plan of just pretending to not be here.. "It's not like I have anything better to do as long as I'm staying here." She shrugged, and steered around the counter towards the cupboard where tea and coffee supplies were stored. So?'You may recall that I was never quite close to the Pantheon,' was Nergal's evasive reply, 'though her voice surely seems familiar..'Aislin peered curiously at the woman, while she grinded the coffee beans for her espresso, wondering what kind of Goddess would carry a guitar around. "I'm Aislin Thabara," she finally remembered to introduce herself. "I'm currently Gaia's guest and staying for a little while, until I.. feel better. Got myself into a fight, and she insists that I still have to recover from it." She set up the espresso station in silence, refusing to introduce the Underworld God as well. She wasn't quite done sulking at him yet. 'Aislin, this behaviour of yours is absolutely childish and ridiculous.' Nergal's voice was stern and slightly impatient. Worried about 'proper behaviour' again, aren't we?Zero Dream "A pleasure to meet you." Echo smiled a bit, unaware of the bit of host/god strife going on under the surface, moving a bang of silky black hairs away from her shoulders to send it to her back. Gaia's guest, hmmm... This sounded quite like her alright, to care for others.
Mortals and their abilities to get in sticky spots... but then, one could argue that gods weren't too different, the goddess reminded herself bitterly.
"And I would be Echo." After all, it was only polite to give a name in return.Hey, what about me, uh ?! An almost childish, jokingly pout came from her mind, which couldn't help but make the goddess smile a bit. "And there is also my host, Zero. I do not believe you can hear her, but she insisted onto being introduced." She stirred her coffee with one hand, the amused look still in her face. Thabara "The pleasure's mine," Aislin replied, her smile a bit distracted by the internal dispute. She watched as the dark liquid poured into the little cup, fingers drumming on top of the counter impatiently. "Echo.. If I go by the name that would make you.. what, the Goddess of Sound?" 'Of Music, actually - I remember now.. Some.' The death god's voice was tense and he seemed to be almost.. excited? 'Of all the gods in the pantheon.. to see her return.. this is certainly unexpected. Aislin, I wish to speak with her.'No.Aislin's right hand twitched slightly in reaction to the god's frustration when she reached for her cup, but that was all. For a moment she had feared he would break his principles and just use her, despite having sworn to not do such a thing. Still.. his behavior intrigued her. So far he had acted fairly indifferent when it came to other gods, but this one.. She seemed to mean something to him. Now she was getting curious.. She leaned against the counter and took a sip from her espresso. "Say," she asked, "do you recall anything about a god who was the Lord of the Underworld?" If she wants to talk to you - maybe I'll let you on. Maybe.Zero Dream "That would be close, but not quite it. It would be music, actually." Echo corrected, since she had not heard Nergal do so.
She was still unaware of the situation, pretty much - having not noticed the little signs. Her interest seemed to perk sightly as the woman spoke again.
"Lord of the Underworld, hmmm..." She seemed to ponder for a moment. "...It is a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall some things, yes. Why do you ask ?" Thabara "Because.. Well.. He'd like to talk to you." Aislin answered reluctantly, sort of admitting she was not alone in this body. "He managed to piss me off majorly a little while ago, so I don't really feel like letting him." She grumpily muttered something about Zero Dream So she is an host... Echo pondered, for Zero's benefit, before continuing.
"I wish I could answer that curiosity for you, but as you probably have been told, memories are most fickle things for those in our situation. They are quick to fade, after the physical body... As we all learned the worst way possible." She shook her head. "But I can tell you what I do remember. For me, feelings are much easier to remember than events." Echo turned to face Aislin completely, her face soft. "I remember... respect. On both sides, particularly. Friendship, even if he was so scarce from the Pantheon... And, well..."
But then, she stopped in mid-sentence, an almost enigmatic smile on her face, crystal blue eyes twinkling. "...That would refer more to me than the him, the rest." She had never... admitted this, and it was very likely to hear everything that she was saying.Uh ? Why did you stop ? Zero pondered... having an hutch, but not saying a thing. I will tell you, my one... But later.
"Yet I can so faintly remember his name... How bothersome, isn't it ? But then, he has had many." She said. "As I have had many... But I believe he might have introduced himself to you as Nergal, perhaps ? Or Hades. These are the two I remember clearly, but I believe there was more."
Echo seemed to be perfectly comfortable admitting there was things she didn't know, or neither did she seem to think of herself above others. At all she seemed so... simple, for a goddess. (In becoming or not).
"No matter the name... I do believe he was not in his intention to upset you." Echo then continued, her voice still almost akin of a song - or maybe music notes, in their melody. "I will not claim to know, but... We do not control all and everything that happen, in the jewel state." But then... The transition from a female host to a male god must be much, much different than the one Zero went thought to allow her own rebirth. "And... if you could manage to put this aside for a moment and allow us to talk, I would be extremely grateful."
I long to hear your voice again, lord of the Underworld. It is so fuzzy in my broken memories... Thabara Aislin listened intently - grateful for the chance to gain some more knowledge about about the deity her body was housing now. Legends were not exactly a source one would call reliable, and even the gods she had talked to so far only seemed to know the 'business' facade of the Underworld Lord. Echo, on the other hand.. She'd mentioned 'friendship' and Aislin knew, friends had been something very scarce for the Judge of the Dead, almost a luxury. "Yes, he introduced himself as Nergal. But from what I gathered he's one of many names - Hades, Osiris, Emma-ō, Arawn.. Though most seem to prefer to refer to him by one of his titles." She shrugged and downed her coffee, before it could get too cold and start to taste stale. She found that she rather liked the goddess. Echo seemed to be content with just being herself, without the need to act all regal and superior. So unlike a certain death god.. Nergal?'Yes.'On with you, before I change my mind.'Thank you. I am most grateful.'It wasn't just an empty phrase.. He truly was grateful, that much she could feel when he gently touched her mind to pull her away. He was gentle, credit where credit was due. She felt a bit like being comfortably wrapped into a thick warm blanket while one sense after another was taken from her mental hands - touch, smell, hearing, sight.. A tad too late she realized what he was about to do. Wait.. I want..'Shhh.. My apologies, child, but I'd like this conversation to be private..'The mental blanket was pulled tighter around her, and only moments later her weak struggle ceased and she was put to sleep. The changes were subtle, but visible - the proud, upright posture.. how the woman managed to remain completely motionless in a way that was not possible for humans.. that regal, aristocratic air about her.. One didn't need to see the changed color of her eyes to know who was currently in control of the body, nor to hear the significantly deeper voice. "It has been a long time."Zero Dream The goddess listened as well, and, when the subtle changes happened, she picked them up almost instantaneously, and a smile drew itself on her face.
"Yes... It has. Too long, should I even say." She admitted, crystal blue eyes locked on him. "I am glad to see that you made it back, as I did."
I was starting to wonder if you would...Well, don't you two go a long way... Zero teased a bit. Ill make myself scarce.Thank you, my one.
"How have you been, so far ?" Echo asked. After all, some merging went... less smoothly than others. She took a sip from the cup of coffee she had been stirring idly all this time. Thabara "You could say that things have been a bit.. on the rough side for me." He answered her warm smile with a thin, ironic one of his own.
"There is demon blood in her veins, which does not mix well with the divine, she is stubborn as a mule, has a temper which could match even the furies'; and on top of that she turns out to be a tomb raider with no manners or respect whatsoever."
"Yet, she does have qualities which make her worthy.. She has become a close friend to The Mother, and her loyalty to her is unwavering. Unfortunately I can not allow myself to delay my ascension for them, least of all at times like these." He glanced into the general direction of the throne room, a mix of frustration, annoyance and worry showing on his face for a moment.
I do not even know where to start in all this mess..
Slowly, Nergal shook his head. "Pardon me, Lady, I have been rambling. After such a long time of confinement it appears even I feel the need to.. talk." He smiled again, this time looking almost guilty as if 'rambling' was some sort of terribly improper behavior for the Lord of the Underworld. Zero Dream And she listened calmly, the only sound produced being the soft hum of her "wings", with interest.
"It is quite alright." The goddess reassured him. "I have always an open ear, my Lord." She smiled again. She understood most of it - especially the tomb raider part. If there was a simple-ticket to very quickly see a very pissed Lord of the Underworld, that had to be it.
"But, at the same time, please do not attempt to go too fast. In the end, it would hurt the both of you." She said, softly, with a bit of worry. "...But this has been worrying me as well. The events that led to the full rise of Destruction... I am not sure if we can amend." She gave a soft sigh, almost undisernable. "I have been living outside for the time being as the... aura that have taken residence here make it so I am unable to rest. It is a charming place, however... Should you need a roof, my Lord, I would be very grateful to help you." After all, she had no idea where Aislin lived, and if keeping this place after the morph would be possible at all. "...I am still trying to find where my place is in all this... How I can make things better." The goddess's full worry was clear in that statement. "Tempo assures me that there is a place that I hold, but... Yet, I worry. I worry for the Lord, if we are unable to help him..." Thabara "I remember.. You were always a good listener, always one of those very few I could confide in - I am glad to find this has not changed. I shall heed your advice and try to not rush things too much." He bowed his head in respect, trying to not think of the sheer overwhelming amount of tasks lying ahead of him.
"I thank you for your kind offer, but my host has a place of her own. And I believe she was about to make arrangements for a dwelling worthy of mine - among other things - before.. certain things happened and we ended up as temporary guests of Lady Gaia."
"As for our Lord.." He paused, shaking his head slowly after a little while. "There are many things to be considered, and to be honest I would like to know more about what has happened before I take any course of action. So far my information has either been second hand, or from Calico which - as you certainly can guess - has not exactly been helpful." He looked expectantly at Echo. Had she been there, in the middle of that fight? It was hard to imagine, but he knew she was not one to sit idle when those dear to her were put in danger. After all, that was how she had fallen. Zero Dream "I am glad to hear as such, my Lord." She bowed in return.
"I... Well, what happened is a bit of a blur for me, I must admit." The goddess answered, wondering where she was supposed to begin. "At this time, I was in the same situation than you are now... There was some kind of... feedback that knocked my host unconscious. And when I went downstairs..." It all happened so fast. It was so muddled... "There where many there... Fighting, as they could. Universe, and Khiviance... It seemed that, for a reason I do not quite understand, they attacked our Lord. Some say it was out of love... But... how can someone hurt someone else they loved ? It... makes no sense to me, I am afraid. Lucius seemed to summon something... a White Dwarf, a believe. It wasn't much we could do... Light told me to block the door in order to bar an eventual escape. As moving straightforward was impossible... I let the pull push me to a window in order to escape." This was so vivid in her mind, this part. How scared she had been, but how she somehow managed to move. "...He tried to use gravity against us, I believe. I remember floating... I never made it to block the door, I passed out. I had been in control too long, visibly." She sighed, hating to admit how helpless she had been, but...
"I am sorry, this is as much as I can tell you, as it is all I know." That probably wasn't too helpful. Thabara "You would be amazed to know how many detestable crimes were committed out of love." He might have forgotten a lot, but he still remembered some of the judgments he had passed quite vividly. Love.. Such foolishness. It did not surprise him that Khiviance apparently had played a part in this mess.
"You told me all I needed to know, do not worry. I have a lot better understanding now of what has happened." It was true, and she had mentioned some of the other gods he could possibly seek out and question. He frowned. "Which Light? If my memory does not fail me there were two of them." Zero Dream "Illumin. I cannot recall that there was another, but you are probably right." Her memory, or lack thereof, sometime bothered her. "And I do know... But it still bothers me, to hear of such things happening. This is not what love should be... But then, what do I know ?" Her smile couldn't hide her concern. "...I just hope things can be mended, if not then I fear for this world..." Thabara "Illumin.." The death god slowly repeated the name, but it bore no familiarity for him, brought up no face, no new memories.
But.. hadn't there been something else? Reluctantly Nergal touched his host's recent memories, carefully trying to avoid everything that seemed too private. Ah. There.
"There is one more thing I need to know about - I believe.. Someone was searching for Aristogeiton? Do you know more about this?" Zero Dream "...I do not know, I am afraid." She sighed. "...But it might be Panacea... I haven't seen Lady Medicine for some time. And I believe her host was attempting to do something like this..." Oh, Pana, please tell me you have not attempted something like this alone... The worry that came with that realization seem to have hit in full force. "I truly hope she is alright..." Thabara "There are others I can ask.." Light. He could not imagine their paths had ever crossed, not unless the whole pantheon had been called together on some special occasion. Ah well..
"To attempt a task like this alone.. Brave, but foolish. I hope she returns savely. If she does.." He did not finish this sentence. After all, of what assistance could he be, in his current, imperfect form? His realm lost, his powers still gone.. Yet, to sit idle and do nothing about this was against his very nature, not to mention that he still felt vaguely responsible for Aristogeiton's disappearance.
"I apology for bothering you with so many questions, Lady Echo.. You have been most helpful." He clasped his hands together, absently looking at the throne room again. Only one throne, he noticed for the first time, which made him wonder about Kishara's current status.
"I believe I know now what course of action to take once my host had a chance to make her final arrangements. Speaking of which - I would like to ask a favor of you..?" Zero Dream Echo couldn't help the small, amused smile that drew on her face. "You are not bothering me... I do not thing you ever have." And I doubt you ever will... "I am glad to have been of help to you."
She listened in silence, until he mentioned a favor. "Of course, my lord. What do you have in mind ?" Thabara Nergal hesitated. The idea had just crossed his mind, and it was not like him to ask such a favor on a whim.
"It concerns my host. She has been forced to walk the Living World far longer than she should have, and it is her wish to perish completely once I am strong enough to make this body permanently mine, that none of her shall remain."
"I will honor her wish - it is the least I can do for her, after all she took me into her body out of her free will - but.." He shrugged, finding it surprisingly hard to put his request into words.
"A lament," he finally said. "A song to bid her soul farewell." He paused - there was this one thing his host had never had in her long life. "A song which sings of freedom," he added quietly. Zero Dream She listened intently, blue eyes serious as the situation made itself clearer and clearer to her. This woman... she could not even begin to wonder how much she could have endured. Mortals, after all, where never meant to live too long after a set time...
A lament, as he finally said. This was familiar to her - often where songs, music, used to honor the dead - some even believed it was the notes that lead the souls to their proper resting place. "I understand." She said softly. "And I shall do my best. And you might want to inform her of this, as well... I think it would make her happy." She smiled, softly. "It is a great thing that you honor her so, my lord. I cannot help the feeling that some might have been a bit unkind to their hosts..." Thabara "I shall tell her, in due time. After we have settled our current disagreeme--" He gasped when suddenly a sharp pain flared up where the gem was set into his chest.
"It seems.. my time is up for now," he admitted with a weak smile. "Apparently I still.. have a long way to go.." He leaned against the counter for support and forced himself to breathe calmly.
"I hope you will be there when 'it' happens," the god finally said. "Your song should ease.. the pain for both of us.." He could feel his host stir now, apparently the pain was waking her from the slumber he had forced her into. Carefully he kept her unconscious for just a bit longer, soothing her fears, cooling down the flame of her anger, playing her soul like some sort of complex musical instrument.
"Do not mistake me for being kind, Lady Echo," he warned the goddess solemnly. "I only do what I consider right - and I always will, without pity or mercy. I--" A sharp hiss of pain escaped his lips, and for a moment it looked like he was about to faint----and then she blinked, looking slightly dazed, the color of her eyes swirling back to their natural blue. "What.. the ********?" Aislin stuttered, trying to comprehend what just had happened to her. Zero Dream "I know." She said softly to his last statement, before he would lose control, and the host awoke. "I know, and sometimes, I admire."
Echo knew that Nergal's ability to remain stoic and judge rightly would never be something she could do. It almost made her smile with memories of other times where their different way of thought created moments like this... It seemed so far away, now.
The goddess was on her feet, ready to catch Aislin should she fall.
"I believe he might have overdone it a little." Echo answered. "You might want to sit, for a bit..." There was a bit of worry - she knew how this kind of thing had affected Zero, as well. Thabara "Sitting sounds good," Aislin admitted weakly. "I think.. I feel a bit sick.." I shouldn't feel sick, she thought, her mind still feeling like caught up in a cobweb. I should feel angry. Furious. That ******** b*****d has done it again..She slowly walked to the closest chair, one hand always resting on the counter for support since her legs felt a tad wobbly, and breathed a sigh of relief once she sat down. "If it's not too much of a bother - could I get a glass of water? Or another coffee, I think I need to raise my blood pressure again." Absently she rubbed her thumb over a streak of blue on her left forearm which a bit like an oddly shaped bruise - only that it didn't hurt at all, and slowly started to fade, bit by bit. "How much time do you think I've got left?" she asked, not really sure if it was directed towards Echo, or Nergal. She wasn't even sure if she actually wanted to hear an answer. The god within her was completely silent. Zero Dream Echo nodded softly, following the girl until she had finally sat, then went to fetch a glass of water for her.
"I am afraid I cannot answer that." Echo sat beside Aislin after having put the glass in her reach. "It seems to be different, depending on the host and the god. If I remember well... for myself and Zero... it took maybe... 4 months, give or take."
Echo sighed softly, running a hand thought her long hairs. "...It is normal to be scared. Zero was. ...I was, a little, as well." Thabara "Four months.." She'd taken on the stone.. when? January, wasn't it? "So it could happen anytime now.. I can tell Nergal doesn't want to slow down, and with the workload that lies ahead of him I can't even blame him."She reached for the glass, grateful for the cool liquid moistening her dry lips and throat. "I'm not really scared, you know? It's just.." she tugged on her borrowed robe, "I thought I'd have enough time to settle things, make some arrangements. And suddenly I've got the feeling time's slipping through my fingers." I need to go home.. She yawned, feeling terribly tired again despite the fact that she'd just gotten up. That was another thing which bothered her - she was sleeping so much. And whenever she woke up, there was always something which had cha-- "And I didn't think there'd be any.. changes until it's his turn," she added with a pout which barely managed to mask her uneasiness. Zero Dream Echo, again, listened patiently, as the woman spoke.
"Again, this seems to differ... And isn't something that is always controlled, as far as I could guess. I... look very much like my host did, I might have chosen her subconsciously because of this... But I can't really remember much, before the gem was attached. It was like... being submerged in water." She pondered. "...You see, and hear, all muddled. I can't tell you if some things happened gradually or not, on a physical sense. The big changes where all the end..." In the end, with Beryl. How she had stubbornly held on until the very end, how she had taken all the physical sensations for herself. She didn't even know how she had managed this - sheer force of will ?
"...But it is very possible that Nergal may not be able to completely control what changes happen when." It was quite oblivious Echo didn't want her to be upset with the god of the Underworld, but her expression was also genuine. Thabara 'See? Told you I didn't do it on purpose..' Underworld murmured sleepily. 'And I would not be too worried about how much time you have got left - plenty, I would say, since I have barely been able to hold on control for longer than a few minutes.'True that. But you just knocked me out without my permission, and you meddled with my feelings once again. Her thoughts were bitter - she still couldn't summon the slightest trace of anger despite what he had just done to her. We will talk about that later.'Yes. We need to talk.' Aislin had the feeling that he meant something completely different from what she wanted to discuss, but the god had fallen silent again, in a way which told Aislin he'd either lost consciousness or fallen asleep. Made no sense to ask him now. "He may not be able to control what he changes, but it would be nice if he'd be a bit more considerate of my feelings sometimes," she muttered sourly. "Taking me out like this.. manipulating my emotions.. That is not what we agreed on." She yawned again and blinked sleepily. The god's exhaustion, it seemed, was spreading into her as well. Zero Dream Echo nodded, then. "It sounds like you have some things you need to talk about with him." Keeping silent would do nothing - and even if the woman was to move on, on her own will, it would be much better if she did so not feeling bitter.
But of course, she mentioned none of it - she wasn't sure if she was -supposed- to know. "Are you feeling a bit better ?" There was an hint of concern in the goddess' voice - she could see the woman was tired, as Zero usually had been. "You might want to lie down and rest for a bit." Thabara "Just.. tired.." Aislin rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb. "You're right, guess I'll just take a short nap on one of those couch thingies.." A 'nap' which would - most likely - turn into several hours of solid sleep again. This wasn't fair, she'd just gotten up. How was she supposed to get a damn thing done if all she got to do was sleep, sleep, sleep? Thabara "Do you need help getting to them ?" She asked then, getting up to put the cups and the glass aside to be washed later. "I guess this is a bit my fault... I am sorry." She said softly. "I didn't think about warning him that something like this might happen." Thabara "Don't worry about it.. So far he's never wanted to talk to someone 'in private' so I figured you two were.. close, in one way or another. Which is good because I thought he didn't have any friends at all. Just wish I knew what you've been talking about.." She peered at Echo curiously, but then she shrugged and got up with a small grunt. She was feeling a bit dizzy from fatigue, but not like she'd faint on the few steps to the couch. Slowly, suppressing another yawn, Aislin walked to the closest of the couches and curled up on it, fighting to keep her eyes open just a bit longer. "'t was nice to get to know you," she murmured sleepily, "'night.." This time, at least, her sleep seemed to be dreamless. Zero Dream Echo waited, silently, until Aislin was asleep before washing the cups and glass and going on her way out of the shop with a small smile.
Now, that was an old friend she was glad to see again. The girl, likewise, had been pleasant... And she was already thinking of words and melodies in her honor, for a soul that had been so strong.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:39 pm
I am unwritten,
Can't read my mind
im undefined
im just begining
the pen is in my hand
ending unplaned
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
"Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield Writing A Lament In... How Many Steps Now ? Echo had been hard at task, ever since her meeting with the lord of the Underworld, and learning of his intentions. She had to write something about freedom, something with the beauty and grace the woman deserved... but nothing too sappy either, as Aislin didn't seem like someone who would appreciate too much of it.
Ence, her living space was currently a living mess, in a contrast of how she usually kept it clean. Discarded paper was everywhere, with the brothers coming it every now and then to take and put in the recycle bin outside the writings that they knew from experience where to be discarded. Because Echo had order even in her chaos - what was to be kept usually wound up somewhere to her right and close at hand, where as what was to be discarded to the left... and pretty much all over the place.
"No, no, this will not do..." The goddess mumbeled, chewing the tip of the purple pen she had without really noticing it. She would have prefered a quill and ink, but she found herself short of time to hunt down a decent kind of either, and Zero had sutch a collection of pens that it would be a shame to let go to waste. The chewing probably was one of her host's old mannerisms...You're chewing it again. Came the voice from her mind, the youthful voice of the former owner of the body, who watched the scene almost as if she was a spirit watching from afar, which was, of course, not the case. Keep that up and you'll discover that ink isn't tasty, expecially when you snort it up your nose. And please calm down, will you, I don't think gods are immune to strokes. All said in a joking tone, but there was some truth to it. "Oh, a stroke is the least of my worries." The goddess had nothing against answering out loud, since all the house's resident knew well what was going on, even if it took Lyric some time to get used to it. She could see the blonde chime spirit sunbathing on the porch outside, with Vertigo, which was a bit funny. "I don't remember any lament giving me this much trouble... But then, it is not like I do conciously remember writing one either."You're just worried. One could almost see Zero grin. You want it to be perfect for Aislin and your loverboy, of course you're going to worry about it."My one, how many time will I need to repeat it to you, Nergal is not..."But you got feelings for him, SO, he's your loverboy. Look, im sure anything you can write is wonderful, and it's by fretting that you might write something less good. so, you need to calm down a bit. Just take a break, stop worrying and let the words flow. That's what I did when I had a speech to do at school anyway.Perhaps the idea wasn't without merit. "I... would think you are right, my one. I shall."Good. You're driving me completely batshit crazy with all the fretting here !And Echo couldn't help but laugh.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:42 pm
Thinking About You The days followed each other as they always did - but the goddess found herself hardly noticing at first. Zero, the little one, her host, was growing more and more quiet as each of the unseen days where passing, which was something both diety and host knew would happen, yet... Perhaps they both hoped it wouldn't happen so soon.
It was during one of those long moments where Zero was quiet that Echo found herself on the balcony of the place she had started to occupy ever since she gathered the courage (or would some call it cowardice ?) to distance herself from Destruction, flute in hand as she sat against the metal fence. The black sky looked as dark as it had been for the last few months, with no sign of ever clearing.
Oh, how she wished it would clear.
By leaving, she had also left her kind behind... she had seen no one, and so, for so long. The last was, well... him. Nergal. Where was he now ? Had he taken power as well, was he searching for his underworld ?
The goddess sighed softly and, bringing the flute to her lips, started off a few notes, as if hoping it would reach him.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:43 pm
Face-to-Face Once More Zero Dream Slowly... day was giving in to night. Not that Echo could see much difference, with how dark the days had been for months now. She had lost count, and she had not seen others of her kind for a long time - she had also lost count of that as well.
Was she running away ? The goddess herself wasn't even sure if she was or not.
She stood there, bare-feet on the balcony and glancing at the setting sun for a moment, leaning against the ramp. Another day came to an end... She stood up straight, and brought the long, silver flute to her lips. Her long black robe contrasted deeply against her pale skin, but it contrasted mostly with how she was usually seen, looking more at home on the body of a goddess than the usual sundresses she had worn when the temperature had been warmer. Low notes found their way, followed by louder and louder ones, playing if only to soothe herself... Thabara Nergal hadn't walked for long, half an hour maybe, when the melodious tune of a flute crept its way between the whispers of the dead. He stopped, tilting his head somewhat as focussed on the melody. It was simple at first, but slowly evolved into something more complex, yet always tinged with melancholy. And it was familiar somehow, though he was sure he had never heard this specific melody - not in this life at least.
For a moment he stood swaying, undecided between the desires to further follow where that haunting rhyme led him, or to seek out the mysterious flute player. He had an inkling who it might be, and besides.. The dead were dead already, to wait for him a little longer wouldn't hurt them.
He flicked back the dreads which had fallen over his shoulder, and - after sending a last hesitant glance towards his original goal - he changed his direction, following the tune of the flute instead. Zero Dream The sun continued to set, but Echo stayed still. Only her fingers moved - no, danced over the flute, the melody again gaining in intensity as her eyes closed and she let her thoughts wander once again. Weither it was an old or a new melody, she didn't know or neither cared too much at the moment. She was not playing for anyone else at the moment, only for herself, as a way to let out her own feelings of this matter that had been haunting her for too long now.
She was all but unaware that someone was listening. Thabara He found her soon enough, a lone figure on one of the balconies, barely more than a silhouette in the growing shadows. Yet there was absolutely no mistake about who she was.
So my guess has been right..
He did not dare to interrupt her beautiful play, nor did he actually want to. For now he was content to just listen to her, a quiet smile on his lips. Zero Dream She continued again for a moment, for a few more minutes at least, until she let the notes drift lower and lower until there where none at all, and that music was replaced by silence. She finally sat and, with a soft cloth nearby, began to clean the instrument, handling it like some would handle a priceless treasure.
She looked around idly as she did so, her eyes finally settling to a shape in the shadows. Was someone there... ? It was hard to tell, with how dark it was. Thabara "That was a remarkable display of your skills," Nergal said softly into the silence, stepping forward, "though I would have expected no less from you, Lady Echo. I enjoyed it." Zero Dream Ahhh... this voice...
"Why, thank you, my lord." She smiled softly, never stopping her motions to clean the instrument, even if she was not looking at it. The gesture had become so innate, so lodged into her mind, that she didn't even need to see what she was doing anymore. And as she looked at him, she slowly realized something.
Ah, so it has happened.. She pondered to herself, at the same time making sure her host was asleep... which she was.
"Do you wish to come inside ? It is getting pretty dark." The goddess offered. Thabara "It would be my pleasure, dear lady. I just returned to this world today, and if I could rest for a little time in your dwelling, it would be much appreciated." How fortunate now, that he had decided against spending the night in the building of the Pantheon - who knew when he'd met her again otherwise.. Zero Dream "The door is right below the balcony, and the door to inside proper in on the second story." She said, finally finishing her task of making the silver instrument glimmer some more. "Come on in, do you wish for anything to drink ?" Thabara "Something warm.. A tea would do, or a coffee perhaps?" He slowly walked to the door she had indicated and opened it, deliberately taking his time to give Echo a chance to prepare - he very much doubted she had been expecting visitors tonight, and he did not want to rush her, nor to be a burden to the gentle goddess.
Compared to the neighbouring houses hers was in an amazingly good shape, he noted - perhaps being inside the realm of a goddess' influence had protected it somewhat from Destruction's influence. Or perhaps she simply had servants who kept it in order for her, a more rational voice in the back of his head piped up.
He kicked off his dirt stained boots before he entered, not wanting to soil Echo's rooms with whatever the thick soles might have had dragged along when he climbed and stumbled his way through the catacombs today. Too late he realized that he probably looked like a complete mess overall. Zero Dream As he went for the door, she made her way inside as well - not really all that worried about preparing overall. The insides where in a decent order, beside the small corner of the living room where the goddess wrote... And well, this was a side everyone would wind up seeing one of those days.
She fetched a glass teapot and filled it with water to boil, putting a tiny, warped bunch of tea leaves inside. As the water would warm and eventually boil, it would "blossom" into a lovely arrangement, a tea flower. She also took out two cups, and, as an afterthought, quicking ran her fingers though her hairs as a makeshift comb.
It would not do for the lord of the underworld to see her as a mess, after all. She was eventually contented and waited.
The inside is wide and spacious, the walls simply left white, as if the goddess hadn't thought of painting them at all. A simple place to live. Thabara Nergal took a curious look around once he was inside, though trying to not be too obvious about it. Yet, in the days before The Fading he had rarely left his realm, and he could not recall to have ever set his feet into another god's dwelling - the Pantheon didn't really count in his eyes, so this was a first. The rooms were simple, modest, which did not surprise him since it seemed to fit the personality of the goddess who lived within these quarters.
"I must apology for my travel-worn appearance," he said as he slipped out of hs coat. "Had I known I would be your guest today.." Nergal glanced up, a small, almost shy smile on his lips. Zero Dream "There is no need to apologize, my lord." She said with a soft smile, at the same time pondering just what he had been up to... but keeping that question to herself. He would talk about it if he wanted to do so. If he wouldn't, it would be fine with the goddess. She picked up his coat and hung it on a set of hooks that where on the wall next to the door. Oddly, there where 3 other coats, not only one as some would have guessed.
A small, furry head suddenly peeked out of the living room, the starry coat of the feline glimmering even with the soft light that illuminated the room, curious eyes set on Nergal. It was a kind of scent he had never smelled before ! Vertigo made no movement however, simply content with watching and getting used to this new person. Thabara "I see you have taken in some fellow lodgers," he commented, though it was unclear if he was referring to the rather unique cat, or to the coats which hinted that the goddess might not be living alone.
"So," he started, unsure of what to say and feeling a tad helpless. Conversation had never been his strong point but rather something he'd avoid. "You seem to have been well." Zero Dream "Ah... yes." She answered. "Who knows where they are right now... they always forget their coats. Two of my aoidei returned rather suddenly... Do you remember about them ?" She said no name, to make it seem that she was asking about the concept, and not for names and faces.
After all... she had forgotten. And visibly hadn't noticed her little furry friend.
"I've been... better than some, I would say." She sighed, visibly looking concerned. "I... had to leave. It's a bit hard to explain... I think Destruction's presence is bothering me more and it bothers most. But as far as I can remember, it has always been this way. Some part of me feels like im just turning my back and running away from all this... But then, what could I possibly do ?" Thabara "My memory has become a rather fickle thing," Nergal admitted. "Some things are as clear as they happened just yesterday, but much is still hiding from me, and who knows if I will ever be able to remember.. The Lady Kishara had two Aoidei in her service, but none of mine have returned. They were numerous, that much I remember, but I can recall neither faces nor names." He shrugged. "It may be for the better, they probably have perished together with my realm."
Without really thinking about it he walked the few steps to the door which led to the living room and knelt down, holding his hand out for the strange kitten to sniff on. His host had owned a cat at some time.. He furrowed his brows for a moment, concerned that Aislin's mannerisms and likings seemed to affect him even though he had put her to sleep. He shoved those thoughts aside for now and listened to Echo's concerns instead.
"I would imagine Destruction's presence would feel overpowering for someone as gentle as you are. Even on Lady Gaia it seems to be hard, and she was his--" He interrupted himself, pressing his lips together. The relationship between Kishara and Harmodius really was none of his business. "But there are certainly things that can be done," he steered away from that delicate matter, "things that you can do."
He gave the cat a distracted pat on the head before he raised again. "Let us talk somewhere more comfortable than in the hallway, yes?" Zero Dream "It is much the same for me... in fact, I did not remember anything about them until they both showed up." So, they where all in the same situation... mostly.
"Ah, yes, it must be hard for her..." She gave a short sigh, but shook her head. "The living room would be a better place, yes."
Vertigo, after sniffing at the offered hand, decided that he liked that person well enough. (Of course, there was no record of the cat hating anyone) and rubbed his face against the god's hand with a small purr, which only intensified with the pat on the head. Thabara Nergal nodded and simply went ahead since he was close to the door anyway. "This place.. it suits you," he noted as took in the details of this room, his words being the closest thing to a compliment he could come up with. Curiously he eyed the tea pot and the delicate 'flower' blooming inside for a moment, before his gaze rested on Echo's features again, following her each and every move. Zero Dream "I do like it indeed." She answered absentmindedly. "But I am not sure if I will stay once things come back to normal or not. I think I might, but... I am still unsure."
The living room was equally as simple, but the walls where painted in a pale, soothing blue. The teapot stood onto a wood table in the center, which couches on both sides, facing each other. The floor was an hard wood floor, with a rug under the table. To one corner, rivaling with the calm and order of the room, was a small table, a few beanbags, and mountains of papers, pens, erasers... Echo's little creating spot.
The goddess sat down on the couch to the left, the one who had a guitar laying on one of the ends. The only instrument she had not acquired herself... Zero's guitar.
The goddess waited patiently, with a smile, for Nergal to decide if he would rather sit beside her, or on the opposite side. Thabara "You can still decide then," Nergal replied softly. "To try and plan ahead while it is still Destruction who reigns is naught impossible."
He settled on the couch opposite to Echo, from where he could look at the goddess. The way she moved, the way her silky hair flowed, the way she smiled at him.. He truly enjoyed just watching her, but instinctively kept his distance.
"I thought I would not be bothered about Destruction's reign, but.. I have been beyond the gates today, Echo. I doubt very much I will be able to do anything about the state of my realm while our Lord is still in his current form." Zero Dream "You are right... It is pretty much impossible to set things in stone before things change..."
But how long will it remain ? Will it change ? She remembered that night... The event that, while she wasn't completely sure, she still believed was the cause of all this. Would their lord's deeper wound ever heal... ?
"I do not think most of us can. Of course, a few may... But then, we are all radically different." She said, softly. "But it has been so long already, and it makes me worry."
She paused for a moment, unsure if she should ask or not, but eventually gave in. "Your realm... How it is, now ?" Did it manage to survive without it's leader for so long... ? Thabara "It seems all of us who have been reborn have learned about the value of time," Nergal noted with a wistful smile.
"I do not know how much longer this will last, but I believe that, like every storm, it will end." But how much damage will be done, until then? "But, unlike with a storm, or any disaster, one can at least attempt to reason with Harmodius.. The Lady Kishara has tried that, I believe, together with The Hunt. I know nothing of the outcome though, it was in the night when I.. changed."
Deep down, in the depths of his mind he could feel something writhe and struggle in response. She had wanted to know, he recalled, she had gifted Gaia with her good luck charms and vowed not to leave until she returned. And it was because of him that Aislin had not been able to keep her promise. Worried, he reached out to the lone place within his mind where his host lay asleep in her cocoon, but there was no sign of her being aware, or threatening to awaken. It must have been his imagination then, or his own vague feeling of guilt.
"That cannot have been the only attempt to shift the balance. Maybe you should try, your songs never failed to reach the hearts," he gave Echo a reassuring smile, fully meaning what he said. "If you do though, I insist you do not go alone."
"As for my realm.." He leaned back, keeping his feelings hidden behind a mask of indifference. "There is nothing left of it." Zero Dream "The value of time..." She echoed his words, pondering on them. This was true... Before the fading, what did time mean ? Time was a silly thing, a thing for mortals to worry about, not a thing for them to worry about. A silly little thing.
How things had changed... At least, until they became what they once where, they where as trapped in the spiral of time as any mortal.
"I should have, possibly... but it is too hard for me to play while my hands tremble so, and so hard to sing when it seems like I have lost my voice." She sighed, looking down at them. It was one of the reasons that made her finally leave. It made her miserable to not be able to play or sing. Was it caused by fear ? She never figured it out.
She felt silent as he answered her question, not sure what she could say to make things better.... if she even could. As far as she had known, and as far as she could remember, his realm had been everything for him. Thabara "It was good that you left, then." Nergal said. "It may be selfish, but it would have saddened me if your melodies were to be silenced. I.. would like to tell you about how everyone has to face their fears eventually, but.. right now that would render myself a hypocrite." He offered her an embarrassed smile. After all it had been his deliberate decision to avoid the Pantheon and a possible confrontation with Kishara earlier this day.
"Yet I envy you.. To be able to create such wonderful songs and melodies, to craft something from nothing.. I however do not know how to do such a thing. I oversee, I reign, I judge.. but I cannot create." He abruptly closed his mouth shut, realizing he had told her more about his worries than he wanted to. Actually, he hadn't wanted to mention anything of this at all, yet.. he felt strangely relieved now that it was out. Zero Dream She listed simply, with a peaceful smile. "It takes different beings to make a world rum smoothly... I can create, perhaps... But I know myself too soft to rule, to judge, to reign..." She said, softly, running an hand though her hairs. "This is why some things cannot be done alone." Thabara "True," Nergal agreed with a wistful smile. He raised from his seat and reached for the tea pot to pour a cup each for himself and Echo, and when he sat down again, it was on the other couch, right next to her. Not too close though.
"I will figure something out as I move along, it is still far too early to think about it now. My powers still are far from what they once were, so even if my realm still existed.. I would not be able to fulfill my duties as I am now, and there are still other things to take care of." He held his cup with both hands, warming his fingers on it, not looking up as he spoke.
"Say, that song I asked you for.. Did you ever get to finish it?" Zero Dream "You are right, but what I meant is - if you ever need my help for anything..." Echo smiled, taking the cup that was offered to her. "I am more than willing to give it."
She took a sip from the cup, then let it down on the table as she suddenly remembered. "Ah, yes ! Yes I have. But... it would be a... little too late, would it ?" The goddess seemed a bit embarrassed. "Let me go find i-"
Echo looked down. The cat from before was right at her feet. It almost seemed as if Vertigo was giving off a little feline grin as he leaped over to the side of the couch and let the paper drop from his back and right into her lap.
"Ah..." She smiled, giving a pat on the cat's head as she looked to the side, as a winged figure made his way out of sight. After all, the cat couldn't have done it alone...
Taking the paper into her hands, she looked it over. "Ah, yes, this would be it." Thabara "Oh." He glanced at her from underneath his braids, the color of on his cheeks deepening to a slightly darker blue. "Thank you. For now.. to have someone I can confide in is enough for me." He took a sip from his tea to try and hide his embarrassment. The taste of green tea was unfamiliar to him, as he had always kept to drinking coffee or black tea so far, but not bad.
"It seems the members of your household are quite eager to please you," he noted, trying to peek at what was written on the sheet. "And.. even though it is indeed too late for Aislin to listen to it.. I would still love to hear it." Zero Dream She pretended not to see the blush... but deep inside, the goddess was a bit amused by his reaction. Not much of this showed, of course, in order to not embarrass him further - but there was a little twinkle in her eyes that wasn't there before.
"Of course." The goddess answered, read the sheet in order to remember what was written, and, letting the paper down on her lap, she began to sing.
As the thunder rings and the rain falls
Hiding tears that I never wanted to spill
My soul fights on
As the rain falls, I wonder
Will the ocean waves let me in...
The time has now come
To answer the call, to answer the cry
I walk to meet the end
With no fear in my eyes
The time is near, the time is now
To answer the call, to answer the cry
My head still spins, my body aches
Cold wind stings my eyes, my face
Will I find my solace
Will I find my peace
Will this world just end and let me die...
She finally stopped, glancing at the other god and looking a bit nervous, hoping this was what he had wanted. Thabara Nergal listened with his eyes closed, remaining still even long after the song had ended. When he opened his eyes again, they seemed to be of a slightly darker color than before.
"She would have liked it very much, I think," he told Echo with a gentle smile on his lips. "I wish she could have heard this.. instead of my pathetic performance. But I could barely hold back long enough to send her asleep and spare her the pain." Zero Dream "I see... and I understand." She said, idly petting Vertigo's head as the cat made his way on her lap. "I did much the same with my one. She did not wish to leave, however, so she is still there, however growing a bit weaker every day... But such is the way of things."
Her smile grew a bit wider. "And I am sure you are not that bad of a singer, my lord." Thabara "Hmph." Nergal looked at the goddess with a pout, but he could only keep it up for so long before the corners of his mouth twitched upwards. "Consider yourself fortunate that you did not have to listen to it," he told her dryly, "you would have gone deaf."
He leaned back, releasing a deep sigh. Not out of sorrow, but rather out of.. relief. Around her, he felt comfortable, secure. It was a blessing after having been thrown out of several supposedly safe havens recently, and even been rejected by his own realm. If only it could stay like this..
"I will leave again," he told Echo quietly after having taken another sip of his tea. Zero Dream "I know." Came the simple answer. "I know, my lord. And even if I wish you could stay, I know you cannot."
He had so many things to do, so many things to remake. It was more important than any feelings she had, even if she wished it would be otherwise.
Perhaps there where things that simply refused to change. Thabara He smiled ruefully, feeling strangely touched by her understanding. "Then, perhaps, if it is not causing any inconveniences to you.. I could stay.. this one night? To travel by night would be unwise, and I would rather not spend the night at the pantheon.." Zero Dream "Of course." She answered, at least a bit cheered up by that question. If he at least stayed this one night... It would be better than nothing, would it not ?
"There is a free room you may use." This was when the goddess's vast living space came in handy. And even if she hadn't, she would have refused to let him go alone at night, especially during Destruction's reign. One never knew what would be lurking around, and even her aoide refused to let her outside on her own, beside the balcony.So, prince charming is staying for a sleepover ?There you are, my one. I was starting to wonder.I just sleep alot lately.Small talk... enough to distract them both from a fact they both knew. Thabara "Thank you." The god nodded to her respectfully. "One day I shall find a way to repay you for your kindness. If there is anything I can do for you within my limited powers.." Zero Dream "There is no need to repay anything." The goddess answered, and then finished her cup of tea. Echo wasn't the kind to ask any kind of payment from anyone, and it looked like she wasn't about to begin. Thabara "Of course." He had been expecting this answer, but still.. He finished his cup as well and gently put it back onto the table. "However.. if there is anything I can do for you that lies within my limited powers - then do not hesitate to ask." This promise was all he could give her now, and maybe he could find a little gift for her on his journeys. The Lord of the Underworld did not like to let kindness towards him go unrewarded.
"Now that room which you so kindly offered.. Would you show me to it please?" He didn't want to say it directly, but this day had left him exhausted, and the bruises on his right side still hurt. Zero Dream "Of course."
The goddess nodded as she took both the empty cups and put them aside in the sink on her way. "Over there, the last room to the left. It should be comfortable enough..." Or at least she hoped so. Thabara "I am sure it is much more comfortable than any of the places I spent the last few nights in," Nergal commented with a wry smile. Truth be said, he was very much looking forward to finally spend a night in normal bed again. Not on a couch, nor in a sleeping bag, and - fellow gods be praised - not inside a car.
Curiously he walked to the door Echo had showed him and opened to peek inside the room. Please let it have a bed.. Zero Dream Of course, there was a bed. The room was simple and classic, as visibly no one actually lived inside it most of the time, and put in a way that most people would find at least tolerable. A bed, a dresser, a nightstand, all the basics where there.
Echo gave a simple smile as she let him watch, and studied her reaction for a moment, before going to get sheets for the bed. Thabara "It is good enough for me. Luxurious almost, compared to my last few accommodations," he said, sitting down on the mattress and running his fingers over the soft cushions. Given the fact he was about to follow a mysterious voice to wherever this would probably be his last comfortable night for a long time. He should probably make good use of it and get as much rest as he could.. Zero Dream It didn't take too long for the goddess to come back, with an armful of sheets and pillows, barely managing to let them down beside Nergal before the whole would fall down on the floor. She allowed a sightly relieved sigh out at that fact. Thabara Nergal jumped up to help her when he saw the goddess struggling with the sheets, accidentally brushing his hand against hers, cold skin against warm. He quickly drew back his hand, quite glad that it wasn't possible to see his ears burning underneath the thick dreads of his hair.
"Let me take care of this," he murmured, avoiding to look at her directly. "You have already done more than enough for me today." Zero Dream Cold. It made her freeze for a moment, until the goddess finally figured out that the cold touch was actually him. Why... Why was he so cold ? She gave a light blush and seemed a bit shocked for a moment, but then did her best to ground herself - she was acting like an idiot, it had been an accident, and it sure did not mean a thing, even if she had hoped it would be otherwise... But why was he avoiding her glance ?
"As you wish, my lord." She answered once she could keep her voice steady. "Do you need anything else ?" Thabara He shook his head. "Nothing, except for a good night's sleep which I will surely get, thanks to you."
He was deeply confused about his own reactions, surely it couldn't mean..? No, that was just plain impossible, he told himself. There had been nothing but a tentative friendship between them in the past, nothing more. Zero Dream "Allright... If there is anything, do not worry about telling me, alright ?" She said simply, as if unsure what she was supposed to do now, and unsure if now was a good time to leave. "I will be in the living room for some more before I finally go sleep... Feel free to rejoin me, or sleep if you would prefer." And with that sentence, she turned, her silky hairs settling to the small of her back as she made her way, eyes confused.
Finally, she sat again on the couch, hands caressing the flute for a moment before bringing it to her lips and starting a very low melody - nothing that would awaken the god if he was to fall asleep, or maybe something that might help him to actually fall into the sleep he seemed to deeply need.
This was nothing, and... there will never be a thing. I cannot allow myself to become a distraction from his duty. I cannot admit those feelings...All work and no play makes Nergal a dull god. Came a somewhat cynical voice, into the goddess' mind. Echo, you're acting like an high-schooler.This was silly. She could have so easily have snapped at her, and shut her out. But, as always, she refused to do so. There is more to this than you may realize, my one. Thabara He felt a slight twinge of regret as he watched her leave, and for a moment he was tempted to take her up on her offer to join her in the living room once more. Instead he quietly closed the door and - trusting neither Echo nor her servants would dare to intrude without knocking beforehand - started to undress, folding each of his clothes neatly before he placed them on a nearby chair.
He breathed a sigh of relief once he had finally gotten rid of the fabric which had been wrapped tightly around his chest. The bandages did a fine job hiding his still female shape, but they did get uncomfortable after a while. And itchy. Terribly itchy.
He smiled when the fluteplay started up again. He had wanted to ask her to play for him, but had then decided he didn't want to be a bother. She had already done enough for him, and he didn't want to ask for even more..
He was practically asleep the moment his head connected with the pillow, and when he dreamt, it was skies filled with ravens, of black lace whispering over stone tiles, a veiled woman with her brown hair braided into a crown.. and of an empty throne next to his own. Zero Dream The flute continued on for about a good hour before silence overtook the air, as the goddess finally went on to sleep as well, trying to push those thoughts away from her mind. She didn't have to worry about her host, since she had felt asleep to the tune of the flute a long time ago. Thabara It was early morning when Nergal woke up again, still a long time to go until the sun would rise. Slowly he turned on his back, and - for the time being - enjoyed the warmth and the comfort of his bed.
Back then, he wondered while staring at the ceiling, in the days before the Fading.. Had he slept at all, back then? He couldn't remember, just as he could not remember her. His other. His queen. Dresses of black lace, yes, braided hair and veils, that too. But neither her voice, nor her face. Nor what she had meant to him, or what he had felt for her. Had they simply been two gods holding reign over the same realm? Had they been brother and sister? Or.. had they been more? He really didn't know.
"How troublesome," he quietly murmured to himself.
A few minutes later he rose, pushing those bothersome thoughts aside for now. Moving as quietly as he could he snuck into the bathroom to wash himself. He was quite sure Echo had excellent hearing and he didn't want to wake up the gentle goddess at such an early time, or at least that was what he told himself..
Only a little time later he was fully clothed and ready to leave, but stood undecided in front of what he assumed to be the door to Echo's room, hand resting on the bright wood. He did not have to leave now. He could still wait for her to wake up to say good bye. Or simply knock, he was sure she wouldn't mind. Yet..
He let his hand drop and sighed. Sorry.
As quietly as he could he slipped into his coat and left, feeling like a coward. For some reason he just couldn't face her now, and perhaps the journey he was about to undertake would help clear his meddled memories and feelings.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:44 pm
As If He Had Never Been There He was gone. It did not take long for the goddess to figure it out after she had finally awoke. Nergal had left, allready. He had said he would, yes... but couldn't he have stayed longer, just a bit longer ? But then... what *was* a little bit longer ? Possibly longer than he could bare to wait, since she had wished he would simply remain. But he could not. He had to many things to find again, too many things to rebuild. But then... didn't she, as well ? She was a goddess, equal to he in their respective influences. Did she not have a kingdom to retake ? But oddly... There was no urge to do so. She knew what she was, but not what she had been, and what she should strive to become. As much as she asked herself that question, the answer remained the same - nothingness. How was one supposed to know where to go if there was no inkling of where it had came from, and how could one not repeat the mistakes of the past if there was not even an hint of the mistakes that had been done ? With a long sigh, Echo poured herself a cup of tea and did her best to go on with her way, but her thought would never stop to wander...
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:45 pm
You do something to me that I can't explain.
So would I be out of line if I said "I miss you"?
"I miss you" - Incubus Sound In Silence There was something odd in the air. At least, odder than it was usual to feel under Destruction's rule, and not really as negative. The oddness resided perhaps in the silence that reigned into the place the goddess and her servants lived. Alto usually always was playing something. An always that rivalled with the very goddess he served - as it was the only way he had to express himself, beside the clumsy sign language he had picked up after awakening from his slumber. But now, the aoide had fallen into silence, retreated into his mind, and his flute laid unused on his knees as he looked out the window. This made both the one he served and his own brother worried... And neither seemed to really know what to do, or say about it. He sat to the left of his goddess, who was calmly scratching idle notes on her guitar, as if to incite him to join along with her. But Alto didn't move, and only stared out of the window, as if looking for something the sound of the guitar made him remember. Tempo wasn't too far away from the both, training with a finely crafted rapier in hand. He had always been the strongest - the one who protected both his goddess and his brother if it was needed. He had failed to do so in the fading... and he refused to let himself fail again. No matter the price... There had to be a way to prevent another fading, if it was to occur. Somehow... But then, the blue haired aoide turned, and his gaze felt on Echo's guitar, with a certain longing in his eyes that wasn't there before. Then, knowing that his brother was watching, he turned and looked at him, straight in the eye. Alto stopped in his tracks, and suddenly, it all added up in his mind. Suddently, he understood. Concerto. Tempo could feel Concerto. Did it mean... That he was finally waking ? It was so hard to tell, so hard to understand something from a simple glance. Knowing that his message had gone thought, the blue haired aoide smilled, and turned back to stare out at the window. He stared up north... At the place they had awakened. At the place Concerto had refused to awaken long ago. They would need to go back there... But there was no reason to trouble their goddess, no. They could handle it themselves. And, wordlessly, the tune of a flute joined the one of the guitar.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:45 pm
The lady we live for :
Tempo's point of view
It is time. Concerto stirs, at least - Alto had made it clear to me. And, as always, he did not even need to sign me anything. He has always been this way, ever since we where young.
Young... it seems so long ago, yet I remember very clearly. Death has destroyed the memories of my lady, in a way that I hope will not be permanent, but ours remain pristine.
We left late at night, done the steps we did almost a year ago in reverse. The path leading to what had been our resting places while we waited for the lady to be reborn.
Us three, we refused to serve another. After what she had done for us, who would ever dare ? Truly, I believe, only someone who lacks a soul.
It was a few hours in foot, and with my brother's constant silence, it is so easy to get lost in my own memories.
The goddess sat on her throne - her white robe so pure that it almost glew. To her right, as always, was the middle brother, the true musician of the group, playing softly. To her left, they where two. The youngest stood closer to the lady they devoted their life for, and the oldest, the strongest, the protector, was the last to the left, looming like a protective shadow over the trio to his right. The only one that knew no instrument. He could not sing, he could not write. But the twin daggers, one to each side, and a sword, to his back, proved that he was far from being useless. Tempo remembered the 3 blades fondly - the only thing that was left of them was a memory. They had shattered, so fittingly, the same time as...
I shook my head, as if to will the next memory to go away. It was useless to remember such things, was it not ? Better look back to the happy times. I have lost weapon, will, and pride, in the fading. Still, I seem to have regained next to nothing. My body seems to be a setback in itself. I have lost muscles needed to vield blades, and memory of the moves required to scare and wound - I would never kill. The lady never allowed me to kill. For some offenses, I could not understand. Perhaps she was always too kind. Perhaps it might have been partially the cause of her own death. She did not fight as her followers, one by one, left her behind to die as they abused the gift she had given them. It made me sick inside... Perhaps, the only thing that kept me sane was her example... her kindness.
I must learn again. I will train, I will fight, and I will not hesitate to kill if needed. I will not let another fading happen, again.
If I am the only one left to fight, I shall. As I always did. I shall protect the lady to my dying breath, this life.
I shall not fail her again.
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